At the Rink: Devils at Red Wings

Detroit has started slowly in its last three games, during which the Red Wings are 0-1-2.

"We turned the puck over seven times in the first 10 minutes the other night [a 4-3 overtime loss against the New York Rangers on Wednesday] and it was way too many against [the Ottawa Senators in 3-1 loss Tuesday]; I couldn't count," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said Friday. "You're going to have some games like that. You can't start behind the eight-ball."

Detroit significantly raised its level of play in the second half of the three games.

"Resiliency is a great thing, but what it really means is you have the ability," Babcock said. "If you can be resilient you can start on time. Let's get ready, take care of the puck and play the right way."

The Red Wings didn't only lose the game to the Rangers on Wednesday; they also lost backup goaltender Jonas Gustavsson for at least several weeks with a dislocated left shoulder. Petr Mrazek was recalled from Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League and will be Jimmy Howard's backup.

New Jersey didn't skate Friday morning after they lost 4-3 to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. The Devils lost another player to injury but get one one back.

Left wing Ryane Clowe, who left Thursday in the first period because he took a stick in the nose, an elbow to the chin and was hit in the side of the head, won't be in the lineup.

He got stitches in the chin and nose and, because of his concussion history, the doctor recommended he not play Friday, general manager Lou Lamoriello said.

Right wing Jordin Tootoo returns after missing seven games with a foot injury.

"We have to feel good, we don't have a choice. We have 20 healthy bodies, we have to compete," Devils coach Pete DeBoer said. “The key is to keep your head above water until everybody gets healthy … No one's feeling sorry for anyone here. It's two crucial points."

Cory Schneider was pulled in the third period after he had allowed three goals on 25 shots. His replacement, Keith Kincaid, stopped three of four shots in 10:17 of ice time.